50 state road trip: Fun, free things to do across America

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Alabama: Unpack forgotten treasures - If you’re looking to hit a fun, bucket-list-worthy site, visit the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro to browse the 40,000-square-foot store for free. If you do want to spend a few bucks on souvenirs, you can often pick up lost treasures here for a fraction of their value.
When you’re done, head over to the Museum of Alabama in Montgomery to take a journey through pre-history, the Civil War and more as you examine hundreds of artifacts. Admission to the museum is free. Carol M Highsmith, Wikimedia Commons Public Domain

Alaska: Visit a gold rush boom town - Visiting a national park is one of the coolest and cheapest activities for the family. So relive Alaska’s gold mining days at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway. Not only is admission free, but you can also take a complimentary ranger-led tour to visit the historic district that houses more than 20 boom town buildings.
Feel like you’re away from it all without ever leaving Anchorage at Kincaid Park, featuring more than 37 miles of trails, a sandy beach and critters ranging from moose to porcupines. Benny Marty, Shutterstock.com

Arizona: Marvel at monuments - The Arizona State Capitol Museum in Phoenix is an ideal spot to learn about the state’s history. When you’re done, head over to the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza. You can take a photo beneath the gun from the USS Arizona and browse other memorials tucked into the lush lawns. Sue Stokes, Shutterstock.com

Arkansas: Hike along the Buffalo National River - Visit the Buffalo National River to learn more about Arkansas’ zinc mining history. Activities like canoeing and horseback riding cost extra, but visitors can see this breathtaking site for free on foot. Craig Hanson, Shutterstock.com

California: Gaze at the stars - At night, scope out the stars from the beautiful Griffith Observatory. Admission to the building and access to the telescopes are always free, as is parking — a rarity in Los Angeles.
You can still see the stars during the day — the ones from the movies, that is. Spend the day in Hollywood, Beverly Hills or even Santa Monica and keep an eye out for your favorite celebrities. Gordon Swanson, Shutterstock.com

Colorado: Explore the Garden of the Gods - If you want to visit a free landmark, be sure to check out the breathtaking views of red rock monoliths at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Drive through the park, take a hike or stop by the Visitor and Nature Center to see flora and fauna displays that include dinosaurs. Sarah Fields Photography, Shutterstock.com

Connecticut: Visit the Weir Farm - Get in touch with your artistic side at Weir Farm National Historic Site in Wilton. Once the home of Julian Alden Weir, a key figure in American Impressionism, this historic site is sure to inspire. You can borrow art supplies on site to create your own masterpiece, or take a free tour of the Weir House to explore the studios and learn more about the artists’ techniques. Nancy Kennedy, Shutterstock.com

Delaware: Tour breweries - Take a free tour of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton — the brewery pours one of the best beers for your buck. The first-come, first-served tours run regularly during scheduled hours. If you have to wait a bit, show your ID and enjoy a few free samples while you pass the time. BerntRostad, Flickr.com

Florida: Have fun at Disney Springs - Can’t afford the VIP treatment at the Disney Parks? Don’t sweat it — you can have free fun at Disney Springs. Window-shop and check out live music at Exposition Park. If you have kids, take them to The LEGO Store’s dream world, featuring huge Disney models and a “Pick-a-Brick” Wall. Chad Sparkes, Flickr.com

Georgia: Decode a mysterious monument - Often referred to as America’s Stonehenge, the Georgia Guidestones tower in Elberton is an impressive 19 feet tall. The granite monuments bear a 10-part message in 12 languages. No one knows who’s responsible for this creation — or why it was created. Sean Pavone, Shutterstock.com

Hawaii: See a hula show - You don’t need to shell out a lot of money to experience Hawaii’s culture and customs. In fact, you can see graceful dancers in free hula shows at various spots, including the Shops at Mauna Lani. If you’re more the DIY type, look for free hula classes at the Royal Hawaiian Center. Ray_LAC, Flickr.com

Idaho: Follow the Moose Trail - Follow in the hoof prints of a beloved children’s book character on the Mudgy Moose Trail in Downtown Coeur d’Alene. The trail features five life-size statues of Mudgy as he seeks his mousy friend, Millie. The trail starts at Tubbs Hill and winds 2.25 miles through town to Independence Point. Michael Li, Flickr.com

Illinois: See something strange - When you visit Chicago, be sure to take some creative pictures of the city as reflected in the famous stainless steel “bean,” also known as Millennium Park’s “Cloud Gate.”
If that’s not out-of-the-ordinary enough for you, head to the DeMoulin Museum in Greenville. The site houses an array of peculiar devices, such as a spanking machine and trick chairs. Sorbis, Shutterstock.com

Indiana: Follow the Cultural Trail - Get up close and personal with Indianapolis culture by strolling or biking the Cultural Trail. You can see public art and beautiful landscapes along the way.
Or, explore Indiana’s Amish Country by driving down Heritage Trail, where you’ll see horse-drawn buggies and charming shops. You can score self-guided audio CD tours for the journey at the visitors’ center in Elkhart County. Greg Wagoner, Flickr.com

Iowa: Find your inner Trekkie - Visit Riverside, the future birthplace of James T. Kirk, captain of Star Trek’s Starship Enterprise. If you’re a sci-fi fan, the best time to visit is during Trekfest in June. Last year’s festivities included a number of free events, such as face painting and a sci-fi swap meet. IowaPipe, Flickr.com

Kansas: There’s no place like Wamego - Head to Wamego in the fall and take in OZtoberFest, a free public event in the downtown area. Last year’s event included an Oz marketplace with photographs and paintings and plenty of Oz characters for photo ops. If you’re over 21, stop by the Oz Winery in downtown Wamego and get free samples as part of the daily wine tasting. Al, Flickr.com

Kentucky: Drink bourbon - Kentucky is known for its bourbon, so why not take a tour of the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort? All tours are complimentary, and the Trace Tour doesn’t require a reservation. You’ll see bourbon barrels and get to sample some of the best local liquor. Extend your travels on a bourbon trail road trip. Alexey Lysenko, Shutterstock.com

Louisiana: Go on a voodoo tour - It’s rumored that New Orleans is home to some of the most haunted places on Earth. For a good scare, book a “pay what you like” ghost tour through Free Tours by Foot and visit some of the spookiest haunts in New Orleans, including Pirate’s Alley and The Hotel Monteleone. Jennifer Boyer, Flickr.com

Massachusetts: Follow the Freedom Trail - You can’t follow the yellow brick road in Boston, but you can follow a red line that guides you along the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail. Visit 16 official sites that are significant in the history of the American Revolution, from the Old Corner Bookstore to the site of the Boston Massacre.
And don’t forget about Faneuil Hall, which hosted America’s first town meeting. These days, you can shop, eat and enjoy live musical performances in the market. Jorge Salcedo, Shutterstock.com

Michigan: Chase waterfalls - Taking a trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the most beautiful free things to do in Michigan. The four-season park provides the perfect backdrop for picnics, hiking or a day at the beach. Plus, the area boasts quite a few waterfalls, including Miners Falls with its 50-foot drop over a sandstone outcrop. KYPhua, Shutterstock.com

Minnesota: Walk in a Sculpture Park - Visit a thriving artist residency program at Franconia Sculpture Park in the St. Croix River Valley. You can explore the 43 acres and view more than 100 works of art. Doug Kerr, Flickr.com

Mississippi: Visit Kermit - Visit the birthplace of Kermit the Frog on the banks of Deer Creek in Leland. Here, you’ll see the famed frog sitting on a log playing the banjo, as well as displays about his creator, Jim Henson, who grew up in the area along the creek. Ayleen Gaspar, Flickr.com

Missouri: Get a cup of coffee - Skip your latte for a day, and get your caffeine fix for free at The Roasterie in Kansas City. Free public “cuppings” — or coffee tastings — generally take place on the first and third Thursday of the month. The Roasterie also offers complimentary tours, so you can learn about the coffee-making process. John R., Photo by Yelper

Montana: Heat up in a hot spring - If you’re looking for free things to do in Yellowstone — which offers fee-free dates — take a dip in the Boiling River hot spring. According to the National Park Service, it’s one of the few legal thermal soaking areas in Yellowstone. Keep in mind that the river is closed in the spring and early summer, and there are no lifeguards on duty. lucylu, Flickr.com

Nebraska: Have fun on wheels - If you can’t visit Stonehenge this summer, Carhenge is the next best thing. Located north of Alliance, the structure is built from classic automobiles that have been painted gray.
You can also remember the innocent fun of childhood roller skating — or the fierce competition of roller derby — at the National Museum of Roller Skating in Lincoln. See numerous exhibits, including roller skating competition highlights, 19th-century roller skate patents and much more. Scott Cornell, Shutterstock.com

Nevada: Cheer on hot air balloons - If you’re going to Nevada in September, don’t miss the Great Reno Balloon Race. During this hot air balloon race, which takes place from Sept. 7 to Sept. 9, you’ll witness a rainbow of around 100 balloons racing one another across the sky.
Pahrump holds its own free hot air balloon festival in Petrack Park. The event takes place in February and features a hot air balloon glow show, in which the balloons synchronize to music and light up the sky. topseller, Shutterstock.com

New Hampshire: Have a brew - Beer lovers rejoice: Merrimack Brewery lets you experience the beer brewing experience from “Seed to Sip.” Take a free Anheuser-Busch brewery tour — as a bonus, you can meet the famed Budweiser Clydesdales in the Clydesdale Hamlet. Shutterstock.com

New Jersey: Visit a state-of-the-art museum - Visit Princeton University’s historic campus and spend a few hours browsing through the Princeton University Art Museum. With more than 90,000 works of art spanning from ancient to modern times, the museum is one of the best in the country. gary yim, Shutterstock.com

New Mexico: See a neon sunset - In Tucumcari, jump on Route 66 to see buildings and artwork that hearken back to the heyday of highway travel. During daylight hours, view the beautiful murals painted on the sides of buildings. As the sun sets, watch historic neon signs blaze along the highway. Denise Lett-, Shutterstock.com

New York: Stroll America’s most famous park - Bring your camera and head to Central Park, located in the heart of New York City. The 843-acre park holds many treasures — like the Conservatory Garden, Belvedere Castle and a sprinkling of fountains and ponds. EarthScape ImageGraphy, Shutterstock.com

North Carolina: Mine for gold - Explore the first gold mine found in the USA. at Reed Gold Mine in Midland. Tour the mine for free, but bring $3 if you want to try your luck panning for the shiny stuff. davemantel, Getty Images/iStockphoto

North Dakota: See super-sized sites - You’ll be fascinated by these large metal sculptures as you drive down the Enchanted Highway in Gladstone. The monolithic roadside art includes giant fish, grasshoppers, a tin family and other amusing pieces.
Then, take your picture in front of the “World’s Largest Buffalo” monument at Frontier Village in Jamestown. The prairie town features original frontier buildings from around the state, as well as stagecoach and pony rides, which do cost money. Carol A Spencer, Flickr.com

Ohio: Go up, up and away - If you have a military buff or airplane lover in the family, take a trip to Dayton’s National Museum of the United States Air Force to see military aviation at its finest. You’ll find exhibits featuring aircraft from World War II and the Cold War, a space gallery where you can explore a NASA shuttle and much more. Ken LaRock

Oklahoma: Take a trip to Totem Pole Park - Visit one of the most extensive and oldest folk art displays in the state at Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park in Foyil. The centerpiece is a 90-foot carved totem pole — the largest on the property. Ilene, Flickr.com

Oregon: Stop to smell the roses - Stop and smell the roses — literally — at the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park. Portland is known as the City of Roses, and you’ll discover why as you walk among more than 10,000 rose plantings in the oldest continuously operated rose test garden in the country. sandyrichard, Flickr.com

Pennsylvania: Take a covered bridge tour - See Pennsylvania’s iconic covered bridges for yourself on a self-guided tour. Although they’re found throughout the state, it’s best to start in Lancaster County, Lehigh Valley or Bucks County. You can download a tour online. Delmas Lehman, Shutterstock.com

Rhode Island: Experience fire, water and beauty - Fire and water meet in dramatic fashion in Providence. At WaterFire, fire performers tend to roughly 100 large bonfires on river platforms, keeping them burning until late at night. Dates for 2018 won’t be posted until spring, but you can expect events to start in April and run through early November. lizwest, Flickr.com

South Carolina: Remember baseball greats - Stop by the home of a baseball icon at the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library in Greenville. The free museum houses artifacts associated with Shoeless Joe’s career and life. Jason A G , Flickr.com

South Dakota: Step Into a storybook - Bring the kids or unleash your own inner child at Storybook Island in Rapid City. The free theme park features favorite children’s storybook characters and is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Cruise down the 22-mile Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, which is particularly beautiful when decked out in autumn foliage. You’ll probably recognize the canyon from the film “Dances With Wolves.” JodyHalsted, Flickr.com

Tennessee: Dance down Honky Tonk Highway - If you’re looking for free things to do in Tennessee, don’t forget about the Music City. Head to Nashville to take advantage of free live music throughout the year and drive down the Honky Tonk Highway — also known as the Broadway Historic District. You can pop into cover-free juke joints and bars. f11photo, Shutterstock.com

Texas: Go bat watching - Mexican free-tailed bats are the state’s official flying mammal, and you can watch them emerge from their colonies at sunset, if you know where to look. Head to the Waugh Drive Bridge in Houston or San Antonio’s Camden Street Bridge to see these animals fly for free. Kushal Bose, Shutterstock.com

Utah: Get out of this world - You can check out free, mind-blowing exhibits at the Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City. Marvel at Newton’s Daydream, a two-story, audio-kinetic maze sculpture featuring moving balls and instruments. An Errant King, Wikimedia Commons CC-BY-SA 4

Vermont: Taste maple syrup - Don’t leave Vermont without sampling some authentic maple syrup. You’ll find plenty of maple farms in the Green Mountain State, and some of them offer free tastings. At Sugarbush Farm in Woodstock, for example, you can get free admission and try four grades of pure Vermont maple syrup. showcake, Shutterstock.com

Virginia: Check out Mount Trashmore - Landfills don’t usually make the list of must-see sites. If you’re planning a trip to Virginia Beach, however, you should definitely stop by Mount Trashmore. Created from an abandoned landfill, this unique, 165-acre spot features picnic areas, playgrounds and free equipment rentals. Imagesbybarbara, Getty Images

Washington: Indulge in candy - Who can say no to free candy? Take a free, self-guided tour of Boehm’s Candies in Issaquah and grab a free sample at the retail shop afterward.
You can also check out Liberty Orchards in Downtown Cashmere. Known for its chocolates, Turkish delight, orchard bars and more, the shop offers free candies to visitors. SusanSmith, Flickr.com

West Virginia: See Civil War sites - If you want to see some of the most historic sites, visit a Civil War battle site at Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park in Summersville. Hike trails through the battlefield and check out breathtaking views of the Gauley River. Steve Heap, Shutterstock.com

Wisconsin: Scope some concrete art - Some people take a vacation to get away from concrete, but the Wisconsin Concrete Park in Phillips is a must-see spot. Named one of Wisconsin’s top seven man-made wonders by Travel Wisconsin, the park holds more than 200 concrete works by folk artist Fred Smith. DakotaCallaway, Flickr.com

Wyoming: Escape to Medicine Mountain - Hike up Medicine Mountain to see the mesmerizing Medicine Wheel. This sacred Native American archaeological site features 28 radial rows of rocks that form a circular pattern of stones. Jess Kraft, Shutterstock.com

Washington, D.C.: Stop by the Smithsonian - Don’t miss any of the free things to do in Washington, D.C. Aside from touring the White House and other free monuments, you can check out more than 1,500 animals at the National Zoo and millions of artifacts at the National Museum of Natural History. Entrance to all Smithsonian museums is free, so you’ll never run out of things to do or see in our nation’s capital. Tinnaporn Sathapornnanont, Shutterstock.com

Washington: Indulge in candy - Who can say no to free candy? Take a free, self-guided tour of Boehm’s Candies in Issaquah and grab a free sample at the retail shop afterward.
You can also check out Liberty Orchards in Downtown Cashmere. Known for its chocolates, Turkish delight, orchard bars and more, the shop offers free candies to visitors.(Photo: SusanSmith, Flickr.com)

Finding fun things to do on a road trip doesn't have to cost anything. Budget-friendly travel is making a comeback, and GoBankingRates.com has put together a list of something free to do in every state that will be worth your time. From visiting breweries (and getting free beer) to free musuems to odd art installations in the middle of nowhere, nothing in this list will cost you a cent.

And now that you're saving some money, maybe you can add some stops along the trip. Take a look at GoBankingRates.com's list of tourist traps worth the money in the gallery below for some good ideas:

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Pike Place Market — Seattle (Cost to fly: $266): Seattle can be one of the most expensive U.S. tourist destinations, but Travel + Leisure makes a case for Pike Place by arguing it defines Seattle tourism.
One of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the country, the multilevel space is a sensory overload of smells, tastes and sights with over 500 shops, restaurants and vendors. Famous for flying fish, the "almost" first Starbucks and a plethora of fresh eats, the iconic market is simply a must for foodies.
Entrance to the market is free, and group tours start at $15 and up depending on the level of the tour. KingWu, Getty Images

The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island — New York City (Cost to fly: $390):
One of the most historic sites in America, the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and the American dream. Ellis Island is a place where you can trace your own family's lineage. Both are quintessential New York experiences because, despite the crowds, they're shockingly intimate.
The price for a round-trip ferry to both attractions is $21.50 if you want to climb to the crown of the Statue of Liberty or $18.50 to just access the pedestal. OlegAlbinsky, Getty Images/iStockphoto

Bourbon Street — New Orleans (Cost to fly: $291):
It might be one of the tourist attractions where you'll want to watch your wallet, but visiting Bourbon Street might be worth the risk. It's home to the famous Red Light District of Storyville, acclaimed architecture, jazz clubs, restaurants and bars. Plus, it's a bucket list experience for foodies, revelers and history buffs.
It's free to wander around, but entertainment can add up fast with hurricanes running $8.50 a pop at Pat O'Brien's and reserved seats at the Jazz Playhouse coming in at $20. Joel Carillet, Getty Images/iStockphoto

Fisherman’s Wharf — San Francisco (Cost to fly: $269): More than 75 percent of San Francisco's travelers pay a visit to Fisherman's Wharf, but that's just a testament to how popular it is. And if you visit during the cheapest times, you can save money on your trip.
Home to Pier 39 and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the skyline, it's free to play photographer and take in the waterfront, but other attractions will cost you. The place to indulge in fresh seafood, a clam chowder bread bowl from Boudin Bakery, costs $7.49. And entrance to the Aquarium of the Bay will set you back $26.95. holgs, Getty Images

Reading Terminal Market — Philadelphia (Cost to fly: $191): The nation's oldest continually operating farmers market, Reading Terminal Market is a treasure trove of edible delights. With more than 80 vendors and Amish merchants, the market is a vast culinary bazaar home to the best food in Philly.
Smells and snaps are free. But sampling the "best sandwich in America" (which is DiNic's roast pork and beef, according to the Travel Channel) will cost $8.50. And a traditional cheesesteak from Carmen's Famous Italian Hoagies and Cheesesteaks (of which former President Barack Obama is a fan) will cost you $11.34. aimintang, Getty Images

The Strip — Las Vegas
(Cost to fly: $137): With over 42 million visitors a year, Las Vegas is one of the top travel destinations in the U.S., and the Strip is its epicenter. The 4.2-mile jaunt along Las Vegas Boulevard is where a majority of high-end hotels, casinos and attractions lie so it's a safe bet that a trip to Sin City almost guarantees at least some time there.
If you're looking for fun and free things to do in Vegas, you can see the free fountain show at the Bellagio and even get free drinks in the casinos. But the average visitor's gambling budget is $619, so prepare to leave with a bit of a hole in your pocket. lewkmiller, Getty Images

Disney World — Orlando, Fla. (Cost to fly: $124): The most popular theme park in the world, according to Themed Entertainment Association, Magic Kingdom gets over 20 million visitors a year, making it one of the biggest tourist attractions on the planet. With ticket prices starting at $102 per day, the "Happiest Place on Earth" doesn't come cheaply.
That said, it's a magical experience for children and adults alike to see their favorite motion pictures brought to life and something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Jacqueline Nell, Disney

The Grand Canyon — Arizona (Cost to fly: $137): One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon enthralls with its prehistoric geology and exotic wildlife. Despite receiving over 6 million tourists last year, it's a place to admire endangered vegetation, and the Telegraph says it's worth getting "morning before Christmas" excited about it.
But keep an eye out for these hidden expenses when visiting the Grand Canyon. For example, a park vehicle permit costs $30, and tickets to the skywalk range from $49.92 to $333.14 with a shuttle to various viewpoints. gdelissen, Getty Images/iStockphoto

The Hollywood Walk of Fame — Los Angeles
(Cost to fly: $294): The world's most famous sidewalk honors 2,500 actors, musicians and Hollywood legends. Though touristy, it's a place to pay homage to your favorite on-screen performers, and it's a major symbol of the City of Angels.
You can walk the celebrity boardwalk on your own or, if you want to actually spot a celebrity, attend one of the free star ceremonies throughout the year. If you'd like a professional tour guide to point out the sites, you can book one for $25 to get the inside scoop on Hollywood history. littleny, Getty Images

Fenway Park — Boston
(Cost to fly: $67): America's oldest ballpark has been operating since 1912. A mecca for baseball lovers, whether you've seen one game or hundreds, a trip there is always worth the cost of a ticket.
The Green Monster ensures a sense of nostalgia for America by maintaining traditions like belting "Sweet Caroline" before the bottom of the eighth inning. Guided tours cost $20 and game tickets range from $10 to $197. Joyce Vincent, Shutterstock.com

Millennium Park — Chicago (Cost to fly: $120): A centerpiece of downtown Chicago, Millennium Park is a free outdoor sculpture garden and public park. As the most visited tourist attraction in the Midwest, it's always crowded but boasts one of the best views of the skyline that won't cost you anything.
The must-have photo-ops include Cloud Gate (also known as "the Bean"), the Crown Fountain's spitting faces and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, which has free outdoor concerts throughout the summer and free ice skating in the winter. However, rentals are $10. Starcevic, Getty Images

The Smithsonian Museums — Washington, D.C. (Cost to fly: $64): The Smithsonian is the world's largest museum complex and saw over 30 million visitors in 2017. There are 11 museums and galleries right on the National Mall, making it an important place to commemorate the country's history and immerse yourself in arts, history and science. As one of the best free educational opportunities in the capital, it's worth battling the crowds. OlegAlbinsky, Getty Images

Dodge City — Kansas
(Cost to fly: $131): A replica Wild West town, Dodge City was the gateway to the Santa Fe Trail way back in the early 1800s. Known for its raucous gunslinging and lawless debauchery, the Boot Hill Museum pays tribute to the rough-and-tumble lifestyle. Though most reenactments are kitschy, it takes just reading the tombstones at Boot Hill Cemetery to realize that it's the real deal.
Tickets are $12 to explore the general store, saloon and cemetery. Michael Rosebrock, Shutterstock.com

Wall Drug — South Dakota
(Cost to fly: $375): Wall Drug fancies itself a roadside attraction, not a tourist trap, but arguments can be made for both sides. It is the must-see stop en route to the Badlands.
Geographically in the "middle of nowhere," this quirky corner store became famous in the 1930s for offering free ice water to weary travelers. Today, it's a place to peruse the trinkets and Western wear and take free photos with a Tyrannosaurus rex and a giant jackalope. The café menu has American classics like hot beef sandwiches, donuts and 5-cent coffee that have managed to withstand inflation, so the price is definitely right for a bit of nostalgia. Frank Romeo, Shutterstock.com

Atlantic City — New Jersey (Cost to fly: $191): Atlantic City gets a bad rap, but after more than $1.7 billion were poured into revitalization projects, it's worth giving the tired casino town a fresh look. A handful of luxury hotels without casinos have opened in recent years, most notably The Water Club.
The Walk is 15 blocks of designer shopping, five-star restaurants and celebrity chefs that grace the area, and luxury spas have become more popular than ever. You can get there for just $2.25 on the jitney and walk the world's first boardwalk for free. But that's about where the savings end for this pricier getaway. DenisTangneyJr, Getty Images/iStockphoto

Niagara Falls — New York
(Cost to fly: $85): Niagara Falls was called a tourist trap by Smarter Travel, but the New York Times said differently when they named it one of the top 52 places to visit in 2018. Buffalo-Niagara has also undergone a massive transformation in recent years. Today, the area is a cultural hotbed of art galleries, craft breweries and impressive architecture, and the falls are just the icing on the cake.
Parking at the oldest state park in the U.S. is $8 to $10, entrance to the Cave of the Winds is $7, and a ride on Maid of the Mist is $19.25. Onfokus, Getty Images/iStockphoto

The River Walk — San Antonio (Cost to fly: $174): A treasure in Texas, the River Walk is the heart and soul of San Antonio, garnering millions of visitors a year. But it's not just a place for overpriced waterfront dining. Actually the largest urban ecosystem in the nation, the River Walk has 15 miles of sidewalks and paths where you can visit museums and 300-year-old Spanish missions that are definitely worth exploring.
It can be a fun vacation for the whole family. Take a water taxi ride for $10 or upgrade to a narrated boat cruise for $12. dszc, Getty Images

Route 66 — Chicago
(Cost to fly: $120): An epic 2,500-mile cross-country road trip from Illinois to California, Route 66 is littered with larger-than-life roadside attractions, neon motels and forgotten cities. Whether you're interested in photo-ops with giant whales or the chance to sleep in a teepee, everyone should drive "the Mother Road" at least once. The route has inspired musicians, filmmakers and writers, and is sure to provide a creative jolt for those lacking inspiration.
You can find rooms for under $100 a night and meals for $2.50 and up, so it's not a budget-buster kind of trip. LauraAnna, Shutterstock.com

Central Park — New York
(Cost to fly: $390): More than 25 million people frequent Central Park a year, which might make getting a green reprieve feel downright impossible. But with over 9,000 benches, the first public park in America has plenty of space to go around.
The park cost almost as much as the entire state of Alaska to build, so a lot of impressive elements went into its development. A carousel ride costs just $3, and a lap around the ice rink will run you $12 to $19. wdstock, Getty Images

Times Square — New York
(Cost to fly: $390): Although millions pass through Times Square every day and many call it overrated, the hotspot is the heart of the Big Apple. It's one of the most Instagrammed places in the world and its chaotic glittering lights can be seen from space. It's worth battling the crowds to experience the crossroads of the world at least once — but probably not on New Year's Eve.
If you prefer to dive into the history of the area, make it a scavenger hunt to find the hidden Broadway bar, the site of America's most famous kiss and Lichtenstein's pop murals. The best part? It's all free. View Apart, Shutterstock.com